National Energy Guarantee would help deliver investment in coal power stations – The Australian Financial Review

The Turnbull government’s National Energy Guarantee could help deliver increased investment in a fleet of mid-life coal-fired power stations to provide further stability in the National Electricity Market, according to federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg.

Under fire from conservatives on his own backbench, Mr Frydenberg argues a NEG will ensure coal stays in the national energy mix for longer than under alternative plans, such as the Finkel Review’s Clean Energy Target that was rejected by the Turnbull government.

Mr Frydenberg, who is also trying to win over state and territory governments to sign up for the NEG, said it would encourage further investment in 20 existing coal-fired power stations, which have an average age of 27 years, to ensure they are able to last their full life rather than be closed early.